Target for a disc throwing game and a disc throwing game comprising two targets

ABSTRACT

A target for a disc throwing game comprising a member having an aperture arranged therein, the member also having a playing surface having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, a first wall emanating upwardly from the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge of the playing surface, a second wall emanating upwardly from the aperture of the member and at least one leg secured to the member and a disc throwing game which includes two of the targets.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to games and, more specifically, to disc throwing games and targets for disc throwing games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For sport, people toss projectiles at targets. In the game of horseshoes, for example, players alternate turns tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground which are placed 40 feet apart. Points are scored by throwing “ringers” or by throwing the horseshoe nearest to the stake. A “ringer” is a thrown horseshoe that completely surrounds the stake.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0127609 (Raslowsky) discloses a bean bag toss game having a first device and a second device which are identical. The devices each have a top surface and a bottom surface where the top surface is at an angle with respect to the bottom surface and the top surface has an opening. Additionally, the game disclosed in Raslowsky includes an object, for example, a bean bag, which may be thrown toward and into the openings of the devices for points. However, the devices disclosed have no surfaces which can deflect a thrown object.

Cornhole is another known bean bag tossing game. In the game of cornhole, there are two sets of bean bags (four bags in total) and two platforms arranged as targets facing each other. Each platform is 2 feet×4 feet with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top. Each platform is angled. The platforms are typically arranged with 27 feet between the bottoms of the platforms. Bags are tossed from a rectangular area directly to the left or right of a platform. In order to earn points, bags must either be tossed into the hole or thrown such that the bags land on the board. However, the game disclosed includes no surfaces which can deflect a thrown object.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,041 (Calvo) discloses a game apparatus for a projectile tossing game. The Calvo apparatus includes a horizontally disposed playing surface having four sides, three of which include upstanding surfaces extending therefrom. The three upstanding surfaces constitute a backboard and sideboards. Each of the sideboards are sloped. However, the Calvo apparatus is heavy and bulky.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,229 (Huser et al.) also discloses a game apparatus for a projectile tossing game wherein the projectile is in the form of a disk. The target of the game apparatus includes an upright transverse backboard and a forwardly inclined playing board. Players throw the disks at the target for points. However, the playing board has only a single surface for deflecting thrown discs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,028 (Sciandra et al.) discloses a disc throwing game, sold under the trademark KanJam®. The disc throwing game includes two cylindrical targets, each having an open top and a slot proximate the top of each target. The game is played by placing the two targets a distance from each other. Each target faces the other. Players take turns throwing a disc toward each target and deflecting the disc into the target, with each throw being scored. However, the disc throwing game fails to include playing and deflecting surfaces which are planar.

Conventional platform-based disc throwing game targets are heavy and bulky and fail to provide a means for deflecting thrown discs.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need for a portable disc throwing game that features targets which are lightweight and easy to maneuver and which includes a plurality of surfaces operatively arranged to deflect thrown discs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a target for a disc throwing game comprising a member having an aperture arranged therein, the member also having a playing surface having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, a first wall emanating upwardly from the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge of the playing surface, a second wall emanating upwardly from the aperture of the member, and, at least one leg secured to the member.

The invention also includes a disc throwing game comprising a first target having a member having an aperture arranged therein and a playing surface, the playing surface having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, a first wall emanating upwardly from the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge of the playing surface, a second wall emanating upwardly from the aperture of the member, a first leg removably secured to the member, a second target substantially similar to the first target, and, a disc operatively arranged to deflect off of the walls of the targets and pass through the apertures.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to have a disc throwing game that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

It is a further object of the invention to have a disc throwing game that is easy to package and transport.

Still another object of the invention to have a disc throwing game that includes a plurality of planar surfaces for deflecting thrown discs.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description in view of the drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the targets of the invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a target of the invention including a disc of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the target of the invention shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the target of the invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the target of the invention shown in FIG. 2 except that the target is tilted forward such that the legs and the playing surface of the target are in contact with the ground or a floor;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the target of the invention shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the target of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the target of the invention; and,

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary partial exploded view of the target showing a leg and the playing surface of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspect. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Adverting now to the Figures, FIG. 1 depicts the disc throwing game of the invention in use. Players 1, 2, 3, and 4 are divided into teams of two. Members of the same team stand at opposite goals, for example, the first team shown in FIG. 1 includes players 1 and 3 and the second team includes players 2 and 4. Targets 10A and 10B are positioned facing each other distance d apart, for example, approximately 25 feet between the fronts of each target. Players 1, 2, 3, and 4 take turns throwing disc 11 at the opposing target. One team member, for example, player 1 throws disc 11 toward target 10B and, if necessary, player 3 redirects or deflects it toward target 10B. After player 1 throws disc 11, player 4 throws disc 11 toward target 10A and, if necessary, player 2 redirects or deflects it toward target 10A. Thereafter, player 2 throws disc 11 toward target 10B and, if necessary, player 4 redirects or deflects it toward target 10B. To finish a round, player 3 throws disc 11 toward target 10A and player 1, if necessary, redirects or deflects it toward target 10A.

Each throwing player can earn points with a direct hit to the target or the deflector can earn points by deflecting disc 11 to hit the playing surface or land inside the aperture of the target. As shown in FIG. 1, player 1 earns one point if disc 11 is deflected and disc 11 hits any part of target 10B. Two points are earned if disc 11 is thrown unassisted and disc 11 lands atop playing surface 12B of target 10B. Three points are earned if disc 11 is thrown and deflected such that disc 11 lands inside aperture 13B of target 10B. Five points are earned if disc 11 is thrown unassisted and disc 11 is deflected off of wall 22′ of target 10B and then disc 11 lands inside aperture 13B of target 10B. The throwing team is automatically declared the winner if disc 11 is thrown and lands directly inside aperture 13B of target 10B without assistance or deflection of any kind Short of an instant win, the first team to reach twenty-one points wins after an equal number of turns or rounds.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of target 10A shown in FIG. 1 including disc 11.

Target 10A (used interchangeably with member) broadly includes playing surface 12A, aperture 13A, leg 14, and leg 15. Targets 10A and 10B are structurally identical thus, the discussions regarding targets 10A and 10B are interchangeable. Disc 11 is dimensioned to fit within aperture 13A. In an example embodiment, disc 11 has a diameter of approximately 4.85 inches. Playing surface 12A is substantially planar and includes edges 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, and 25. In an example embodiment, edges 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, and 25 are substantially linear and edge 18 is perpendicular to edges 16 and 19. However, it should be appreciated that edges 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, and 25 could be non-linear, for example, rounded. Edge 20 is substantially parallel to edge 18. Edges 16, 19, 24, and 25 are arranged between edges 18 and 20. In an example embodiment, the distance between edges 20 and 18 is approximately 22.5 inches. Additionally, edge 18 is approximately 18.5 inches long. Playing surface 12A further includes wall 22, which emanates upwardly from edges 16, 18, and 19. In an example embodiment, wall 22 is substantially perpendicular to playing surface 12A. In an example embodiment, wall 22 tapers toward edges 24 and 25. However, it should be appreciated that wall 22 need not have any taper. Wall 22 includes linear portion 22A, linear portion 22B, and linear portion 22C. Linear portion 22A protrudes upwardly from edge 16. Linear portion 22B protrudes upwardly from edge 18. Linear portion 22C protrudes upwardly from edge 19. It should be appreciated that wall 22 could be formed of a single piece of material with playing surface 12A or as separate pieces of material, for example, plaster core.

Aperture 13A of target 10A is circular to accommodate disc 11 however, aperture 13A can be any shape to accommodate discs of any shape. Additionally, it should be appreciated that playing surface 12A could have any number of apertures 13A. In an example embodiment, aperture 13A is approximately 6 inches in diameter. Wall 30 protrudes upwardly from the circumference of aperture 13. In an example embodiment, wall 30 is crescent-shaped however, wall 30 could be any suitable shape.

Leg 14 is removably secured to target 10A between linear portion 22A and linear portion 22B of wall 22. Similarly, leg 14 is removably secured between edge 16 and edge 18. Insert 31 is positioned to receive leg 14 within target 10A. Leg 15 is arranged between linear portion 22B and linear portion 22C of wall 22. Similarly, leg 15 is removably secured between edge 18 and edge 19. Insert 32 is positioned to receive leg 15 within target 10A. It should be appreciated that insert 31 and insert 32 are each substantially cylindrical to accommodate legs 14 and 15, respectively. In an example embodiment, inserts 31 and 32 include lips 33 and 34, respectively, (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) to provide a stop so that legs 14 and 15 do not slide all the way through inserts 31 and 32, respectively.

Target 10A further includes aperture 21 proximate edge 20. Aperture 21 is primarily included to provide a handle so that a player can easily move or transport target 10A. In an example embodiment, aperture 21 is elongate, for example, a rounded rectangle. However, aperture 21 can be any suitable shape, for example, a rectangle or an arcuate or a non-linear shape.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of target 10A shown in FIG. 2. Playing surface 12A is substantially perpendicular to legs 14 and 15. Linear portion 22B of wall 22 is visible behind wall 30. Linear portion 22A is substantially parallel to linear portion 22C on opposite sides of linear portion 22B. Linear portions 22A and 22C are substantially perpendicular to linear portion 22B. Edges 20, 24, and 25 are substantially planar.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of target 10A shown in FIG. 2. Wall 30 is not visible behind linear portion 22B of wall 22. It should be appreciated that wall 22 is approximately 2 inches tall from the top of playing surface 12A and approximately 2.19 inches tall from edges 16, 18, and 19.

The left side of target 10A is shown in FIG. 5. Linear portion 22C of wall 22 is not visible behind linear portion 22A. Edges 16, 24, 20, and playing surface 12A are substantially planar and perpendicular to leg 14. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable angle could be used so that playing surface 12A can be arranged at an incline when placed on a flat surface, for example, a floor or ground. Edge 18 is substantially parallel with edge 20. Aperture 21 is planar with edge 20 and playing surface 12A thus, aperture 21 is not visible. Linear portion 22A spans edge 16 and the taper of linear portion 22A ends at edge 24.

The right side of target 10A is shown in FIG. 6. Linear portion 22A of wall 22 is not visible behind linear portion 22C. Edges 19, 25, 20, and playing surface 12A are substantially planar and perpendicular to leg 15. Edge 19 mirrors edge 16. Edge 25 mirrors edge 24. Linear portion 22C spans edge 19 and the taper of linear portion 22C ends at edge 25.

A top plan view of target 10A is shown in FIG. 7. Leg 14 is secured within target 10A via insert 31 and lip 33. Leg 15 is secured via insert 32 and lip 34. Inserts 31 and 32 are substantially cylindrical. The diameter of each insert 31 and 32 is slightly larger than the width of each of legs 14 and 15, respectively, to allow legs 14 and 15 to slide within inserts 31 and 32, respectively, up to lips 33 and 34, respectively. It should be appreciated that lips 33 and 34 could include any suitable stop that prevents legs 14 and 15 from sliding through. For example, inserts 31 and 32 could include protrusions or a stop that spans the entire diameter of the insert. FIG. 7 shows lips 33 and 34 uninterrupted because legs 14 and 15 are beneath lips 33 and 34, respectively. In an example embodiment, legs 14 and 15 are each approximately 6 inches tall and approximately 1.32 inches wide. Inserts 31 and 32 have a diameter that is slightly larger than approximately 1.32 inches. The diameter of inserts 31 and 32 proximate lips 33 and 34, respectively, is smaller than 1.32 inches, for example, approximately 1.25 inches.

A bottom plan view of target 10A is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows lips 33 and 34 as a non-continuous ring because legs 14 and 15 are wider than the diameter of lips 33 and 34, respectively.

FIG. 9 shows a fragmentary partial exploded view of target 10A. It should be understood that FIG. 9 shows only leg 14 however, the same discussion holds true for leg 15. To remove leg 14, a user can pull leg 14 downward from insert 31. When pulled, leg 14 slides downwardly through insert 31 from lip 33 until leg 14 is entirely disengaged from insert 31. In an example embodiment, leg 14 is made of two linear portions which intersect at approximately the center of each linear portion. It should be appreciated that leg 14 could be made of two separate linear portions which are operatively arranged to intersect. Alternatively, leg 14 could be made of a single piece of material. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that leg 14 could be any suitable shape so long as it is made to slidingly engage insert 31 up until lip 33 serving as a stop.

In an example embodiment, target 10A is made of plaster core. However, any suitable material can be implemented such that a low coefficient of friction exists between disc 11 and target 10A. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the invention could include illumination means, for example, light-emitting diodes secured to the targets or flotation means, for example, a means constructed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) securable to the targets.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 person -   2 person -   3 person -   4 person -   10A target -   10B target -   11 disc -   12A playing surface -   12B playing surface -   13A aperture -   13B aperture -   14 leg -   15 leg -   16 edge -   18 edge -   19 edge -   20 edge -   21 aperture -   22 wall -   22′ wall -   22A linear portion -   22B linear portion -   22C linear portion -   24 edge -   25 edge -   30 wall -   31 insert -   32 insert -   33 lip -   34 lip -   d distance 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target for a disc throwing game, comprising: a member having an aperture arranged therein, said member also having a playing surface having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge; a first wall emanating upwardly from said first edge, said second edge, and said third edge of said playing surface; a second wall emanating upwardly from said aperture of said member; and, at least one leg secured to said member.
 2. The target recited in claim 1, wherein said playing surface further includes a fourth edge positioned opposite said second edge.
 3. The target recited in claim 2, wherein said playing surface further includes an elongated aperture positioned proximate said fourth edge.
 4. The target recited in claim 1, wherein a first leg is arranged proximate where said first edge meets said second edge.
 5. The target recited in claim 4, wherein a second leg is arranged proximate where said second edge meets said third edge.
 6. The target recited in claim 1, wherein said aperture is substantially circular.
 7. The target recited in claim 1, wherein said second wall is substantially crescent-shaped.
 8. The target recited in claim 1, wherein said playing surface is substantially planar.
 9. The target recited in claim 1, wherein when a first leg and a second leg are removably secured to said playing surface, said first leg and said second leg are substantially perpendicular to said playing surface.
 10. A disc throwing game, comprising: a first target having: a member having an aperture arranged therein and a playing surface, said playing surface having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge; a first wall emanating upwardly from said first edge, said second edge, and said third edge of said playing surface; a second wall emanating upwardly from said aperture of said member; and, a first leg removably secured to said member; a second target substantially similar to said first target; and, a disc operatively arranged to deflect off of said walls of said targets and pass through said apertures.
 11. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said first target and said second target further comprise a fourth edge positioned opposite said second edge.
 12. The disc throwing game recited in claim 11, wherein said playing surface further includes an elongated aperture positioned proximate said fourth edge.
 13. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said first leg is arranged proximate where said first edge meets said second edge.
 14. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said second leg is arranged proximate where said second edge meets said third edge.
 15. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said aperture is substantially circular.
 16. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said second wall is substantially crescent-shaped.
 17. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein said playing surface is substantially planar except for said first and second walls.
 18. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein when said first leg and said second leg are substantially perpendicular to said playing surface.
 19. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, wherein when said first target or said second target is arranged on a substantially flat surface, said playing surfaces are angled with respect to the flat surface.
 20. The disc throwing game recited in claim 10, where said second edge is longer than said fourth edge. 